Specimen examination chamber



Nov. l2, 1968 c. J. I ocKwooD SPECIMEN EXAMINATION CHAMBER Filed May 3l,1967 l f1 @LAKE/VCE i 13 IWW .a 2 m\` WM @W 2 a mw Z I .l

*r BY.

Mft/fo ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,410,635 SPECIMEN EXAMINATIONCHAMBER Clarence James Lockwood, 5265 Forest SE., Mercer Island, Wash.98040 Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 286,807, June 10,1963. This application May 31, 1967, Ser. No. 642,559

13 Claims. (Cl. S50-239) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A specimenexamination chamber having transparent side walls andfend closures whichcomprise a lightweight deformable foam substance frictionallyengaging'the side walls and adapted for positional adjustment withrespect thereto. Magnifying lens are mounted in the side walls or endclosures for observation of specimens contained within the chamber. Thedeformable end closure enables relative positioning of the lens and thespecimen contained in the chamber. Different embodiments include onewherein the lens means is mounted in the deformable end closure wherebythe field of view of the lens can be adjusted to an infinite number ofpositions for viewing specimens within the chamber. In anotherembodiment the lens is mounted in the transparent side wall andspecimens supported by the deformable end closure may be positioned inthe view of the lens. The end closure is preferably of the open cellularfoam type permitting ventilation and moisturization of the chambertherethrough. The flexible wall is shaped in some instances to receive aspecimen collection chamber in combination with the observation chamberitself for transfer of specimens, and for other purposes.

Cross references This application is a continuation-in-part of mycopending application, Ser. No. 286,807, filed June l0, 1963 and titledSpecimen Display Container, now abandoned. Also mentioned herein is mycopending application Ser. No. 497,919, filed Oct. 19, 1965 and titledSpecimen Collecting Apparatus, now U.S. Patent No. 3,330,063.

Background of the invention This invention relates to specimenexamination chambers and more particularly to a specimen examinationchamber incorporating a magnification lens enabling magnified visualexamination of a specimen captivated in the chamber, and to improvementstherein which provide for relative positional adjustability of thespecimen and optical viewing means, and other advantageous features.While the invention is herein illustrated and described in terms ofparticular preferred forms thereof, it will be recognized by thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be madetherein without departing from the principal features involved.

Various sorts of specimen examination containers have been devised andused in the past, some of which have included lens means for magnifiedvisual observation of captivated specimens. However, most of them havesuffered from a lack of versatility and usefulness princpally because ofthe absence of suitable means for adjusting the View of themagnification lens to raccommodate movements of a live specimen, or tofocus upon different specimens or parts of a specimen without regard totheir positions in the container. It is the chief object of thisinvention to provide means for overcoming this deficiency in priorobservation chambers.

There has been a notable gap between the availability 3,4l0,635 PatentedNov. l2, 1968 ice of relatively simple preliminary observation chambersand availability of complex expensive microscopes. There has ybeen no'satisfactory intermediate examination instrument with intermediateranges of magnification to be used for educational purposes and in thefield for immediate examination of live, active specimens as they arecollected. Specimens consequently are often not studied alive because ofthe difficulty of keeping them within the field of focus of a standardmicroscope, for example. It is an important object hereof to provide aspecimen examination chamber having relatively movable intermediatepower magnification means and specimen supporting means for improvedobservation of live specimens.

A further object is to provide such an examination chamber which issimple and inexpensive enough to be used in elementary schools or on ahobby basis where funds are not available for purposes of expensive andsophisticated microscope type instruments.

In thus providing an instrument of intermediate sophistication andcapability, yet vastly improved versatility, the invention provides aconvenient tool for use by educators to spark and maintain studentinterest in biological studies. Observation of magnified movements oflive specimens under study stimulates mental inquiry and complementsordinary techniques of teaching regarding miniature living organisms,and leads to rapid comprehension of features and chraacteristics beingstudied.

A problem characteristic of many prior specimen containers was theirlack of ability for maintaining the specimens alive during examinationdue to suffocation or lack of a means for convenient feeding. Thepresent invention has as another object, therefore, to provide anexamination chamber which includes means for convenient feeding of livespecimens captivated therein without risk of escape.

Another object is to provide an observation chamber which is adaptablefor examination of specimens differing widely in size and behavioralcharacteristics. It is adapted to provide either dry or wet environmentand differing degrees ofi-ventilation, for example.

Another object is" to provide an examination chamber which is durableand can be used without great risk of damage by relatively untrainedpersons.

A related object is to provide a simple, rugged, yet sophisticatedexamination instrument for use by scientists in the field to observelive specimens as they are collected.

Still another object is to provide a specimen container which can beeasily dismantled for cleaning.

Summary of the invention To achieve the above objects the inventionprovides a retentive enclosure for examination of specimens confinedtherein comprising a tubular transparent side wall structure throughwhich specimens may be observed, and end closures engageable with thewall structure to form said enclosure. One of the end closures includesa deformable portion of lightweight foam material adapted to slidefrictionally relative to the Wall structure. Lens means mounted ineither the Wall structure or end closure permits magnified visualexamination of captivated specimens. The deformable foam portion of theend closure enables relative positional adjustment of the lens andspecimens.

In a preferred embodiment the side Wall structure comprises atransparent cylinder and includes a magnifying lens mounted therein forViewing transversely of its longitudinal axis. The end closure comprisesa cylindrical plug of the foam material forming a specimen snpportingstage and permitting longitudinal and relative positional adjustment ofthe lens and specimen.

In another preferred form the lens means is mounted in one end closuresupported on the wall structure by the deformable end closure material,which permits relative longitudinal and angular viewing adjustment oflens means and the specimens `with ilexing of the foam material.Preferably the tubular wall structure and end closures are cylindricaland the foam material is in the form of a collar supporting a lensholder concentrically therein. The cylindrical form of the parts andllexibility of the end closure enables relative longitudinal androtative adjustment :for viewing of specimens in virtually all positionswithin the enclosure.

In accordance with another feature of the invention the lens meanscarried by the end closure is adapated for removal and use inconjunction with lens means mounted in the side wall for additionalmagnication of the specimen.

Still another feature of the invention is provision of an end closure offoam material in the shape of a collar adapted to receive concentricallytherein a specimen collection chamber for transfer of specimens from itto the examination chamber.

While the foam material may be of any of different types of some formsof the invention, it is preferably of the elastomeric, flexible,open-cellular type which is permeable to air and water. It thus providesfor ventilation and moisturization of the enclosure, as well asflexibility for both longitudinal and angular adjustment, so that aspecimen can be followed around the chamber by continuous adjustment ofthe view of the lens.

The invention further resides in certain details of construction andvarious cooperative relationships of the parts involved. These and otherfeatures, objects and advantages of the invention will be more fullyunderstood from the following detailed description of preferredembodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings FIGURE 1 is a fragmented isometricview of a specimen examination chamber in accordance with the invention,showing the Ipreferred embodiment in actual size.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional side View of the examination chamber of FIGURE1.

FIGURE 3 is another sectional side view of the chamber illustrated inFIGURE l, showing the lens holding means tilted for observation of alive specimen located near the wall of the chamber.

FIGURE 4 is a specimen collection chamber and closure cap therefor foruse is combination with the specimen observation chamber.

FIGURE 5 is a ring of elastomeric foam material adapted to support thespecimen collection chamber of FIGURE 4 within the examination chamber.

FIGURE 6 is an isometric view showing the specimen collection chamberand foam ring assembled.'

FIGURE 7 is a side view of the examinaion chamber with the specimencollection chamber assembled therewith as a feeding station forcaptivated specimens and showing use of the lens holding means of thechamber in conjunction with the side wall-mounted lens for additionalmagnification of the specimen.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments The specimen examinationchamber 10 illustrated in FIGURE 1 comprises a cylindrical transparentwall structure 12, of rigid durable plastic which resists breakage. Thewalls are about 1/s of an inch thick, 2.1/2 inches or more in height and1% inches in diameter. The cylinder 12 is carried by a base unit 14 andsupports a lens unit 16.

The base unit 14 includes a -plug 18 of foam material, preferablyurcthafoam a proprietary name applied to an open-cellular, elastomericpolyurethane foam which is permeable to air and most liquids. The plug18 is cemented to the center portion of a plastic base plate 20` havinga ange 20a which provides solid support for the chamber.

The lens unit 16 consists of a lens holder mounted in a collar 22 of thesame foam material as used in the base unit. The lens holder consists ofan inn'er sleeve 24, the lower end of which carries an objective lens 34and is inserted into the foam collar 22 to a depth less than thethickness of the collar so that the latter extends protectively beyondthe lens. Thus the lens holder 16 can be removed and set on a surfacewithout damage to the lens. The upper end of sleeve 24 carries eyepiecelens 32 and extends into and is cemented to the inside of a largeroutside sleeve 26. The lower end of outer sleeve 26 rests against thetop of foam collar 22 and an annularA flange 28 recessed in the sleevefrom the top -forms an eyepiece through the center hole 30 of whichspecimens in the chamber are viewed.

Transparent cylinder 12 also includes a lens 36 mounted therein aboutone third of the way up from the bottom for viewing transversely intothe chamber. While both side and end-mounted lens need not -be provided,versatility of the chamber is increased when they are. Both the baseunit 14 and the lens unit 16 are held frictionally in place byengagement of the foam material with the cylinder 12. They can be movedvertically, rotatively or angularly into different positions for thepurpose of adjusting the relationship of the lens means and thecaptivated specimen held on the stage 18a lformed by the upper surfacelof plug 18, regardless of which lens is being used for observation.

For example, in FIGURE 3 the lens unit 16 is shown tilted while stillheld in place in the top of cylinder 12. Smooth, continuous adjustmentto follow a specimen about the chamber is permitted by the flexibilityand compressibility of the foam material and its ability to slide in theplastic cylinder. In the case of an insect which clings to the uppersurface of the chamber, such as to the -foarn ring 22, the lens unit 16may be pushed down into the chamber `so that the insect can be observedthrough the side wall lens 36. There is no risk of escape of thespecimen during any of such adjustments. Use of foam material which islof the open cellular type provides ventilation through both the bottomand the top of the chamber without necessity for screens or the like.

An active specimen which moves very rapidly into and out of the view andfocus of either of the lenses may be held gently between t-he stage 18aand the lower surface of foam ring 22, once it is properly positionedwithin the view and focus of the side wall lens 36. With gentlecompression upon certain types of specimens in this manner, either thebase unit 14 or the lens unit 16 may then be rotated to turn thespecimen over into different positions for further examination ofdetailed features, much as an inanimate specimen might be rotatedbetween the fingers of an observer using a magnifying glass or the like.

Within the scope of the invention both the upper and lower walls of thechamber may be of the foam plug type with provision of only one lensmeans 36 in the side wall. Alternativelyl the upper end of the chambermay comprise a foam collar 23 (FIGURE 5) into which a specimencollecting chamber 38 or the like (FIGURES 4-7) may be inserted tointroduce specimens into the examination chamber.

The collection chamber 38 and closure cap 40 therefor are disclosed inmy copending application Ser. No. 497,919 mentioned above, disclosingspecimen collecting apparatus in which specimens are collected directlyinto the collection chamber 38. The chamber 38 consists of a cylindricaltube of plastic or the like which is preferable transparent and has ascreen 42 mounted in the lower end thereof. The other end has a ilange44 adapted to receive the snap-on type closure cap 40 or other suitableclosure means. Specimens in the collection chamber are easilytransferred to the examination chamber '10 described herein by insertingthe collection chamber 38 into the foam ring 23 as `shown in FIGURE 6,inverting it and inserting it into the upper end of the observationrchamber as shown in FIGURE 7.

The collection chamber 33 becomes a feeding station by use of closurecap 40 on the screen 42 of collection chamber 38 to hold a wad of cottonor other material 46 thereon soaked with a nutrient such as sugar andwater. The insect specimen feeds by inserting its proboscis through thescreen as illustrated. Alternatively, a nutrient fiuid may be introducedinto the chamber by injection through the foam material by means of ahypodermic syringe, `for example.

Since the foam material is permeable not only to air, but to most fiuidsas well, it can be used for feeding or providing a moist environment forcertain specimens in the manner shown in FIGURE 7. The base unit 14 isset in a pan 48 of water which may contain a dissolved nutrient or thelike, which is drawn continuously to the upper surface 18a of the plug18.

The lens unit 16 may be used in combination with the side wall lens 36as shown in FIGURE 7 for additional magnification of the specimen sothat more minute features and movements may be observed. The side lens36 has a magnification power of up to 8X, its focal length ranging from3%; of an inch to 11/2 inches with the largest magnification power beingat the largest focal length corresponding with the opposite side of thechamber. The combination of lens 32 and 34 in the lens unit 16 providesa magnification power of 8X also. When lens unit 16 is used incombination With lens 36 the magnification power is increased to about20X.

Thus the invention provides an extremely versatile examination chamberpermitting observation of specimens of various sizes and characteristicsof behavior. It is of relatively inexpensive construction, and providesintermediate magnification power for in-field use or for student orhobby use. Other advantages will be recognized by those skilled in theart.

What is claimed is:

1. A retentive enclosure for examination of specimens captivated thereincomprising a tubular transparent side wall structure through whichspecimens may :be observed and end closures engagea-ble with said wallstructure to form said enclosure, lens means supported by one of saidwall structure and end closure means for magnified visual observation ofsaid specimens, one of said end closures including a portion oflightweight foam material which is deformable for slidable and tiltableadjustment thereof relative to said wall structure to to enable relativepositional adjustment of said lens means and specimens for magnifiedobservation of the latter at substantially all positions in saidenclosure.

2. The enclosure defined in claim 1 wherein said wall structure iscylindrical and includes a magnifying lens mounted therein for interiorviewing transversely of its longitudinal axis, land wherein said one endclosure comprises a cylindrical plug of said foam material forming aspecimen supporting stage and adjustable slidably and deformably withinsaid cylinder for positioning specimens in the view of said lens.

3. The enclosure defined in lclaim 1 wherein said lens means is mountedin said one end closure supported by said deformable portion for viewinglongitudinally of said tubular wall structure, said deformable portioner1- abling tilting of said lens means for viewing in directions otherthan longitudinally of said structure.

4. The enclosure defined in claim 3 wherein said wall structure and endclosures are cylindrical, said one end closure comprises an annularcollar of said deformable foam material, and said lens means comprises alens holder mounted concentrically `within said collar and including anobjective lens and an eyepiece lens.

5. The enclosure defined in claim 4 wherein said lens holder comprises afirst sleeve member having one end extending into said collar andsupporting said objective lens thereon at a position inside said collarwhereby the collar extends protectively beyond the objective lens, theother end of said first sleeve member supporting said eyepiece lens, asecond sleeve member of larger diameter than the first and into whichthe first extends; said second sleeve member having one end abuttingsaid collar and the other extending beyond the end of the first sleevemember to form a protective structure for said eyepiece lens.

6. The enclosure defined in claim 3 wherein the other end closurecomprises a plug of lightweight foam material adapted to fityfrictionally engaged Within the end of said tubular wall structure toform a specimen stage slidable within said structure.

7. The enclosure defined in claim 6 wherein said wall structure and endclosures are cylindrical.

8. The enclosure defined in claim '7 wherein said other end closureincludes a rigid base plate secured to said foam plug to support saidenclosure.

9. The enclosure defined in claim 8 further including an additional lensmeans mounted in said tubular wall structure for viewing specimenstherein, said first-mentioned end closure being removable and the lensmeans mounted therein being cooperable with said additional lens meansfor multiplied magnification of specimens viewed through bothsimultaneously.

10. The enclosure defined in claim 2 wherein said foam material ispermeable to fluids, whereby fluid is drawn to the surface of said stageWithin said enclosure when the lower portion of said plug is placed insaid fiuid.

11. The enclosure defined in claim 2 wherein said other end closurecomprises an annular collar of said deformable foam material having acenter opening therein adapted to receive additional closure means.

12. The enclosure defined in claim 11 including a specimen collectionchamber adapted to be received in said opening `for transfer ofspecimens to said enclosure through said other end closure.

13. The enclosure defined in claim 1 wherein said foam material isopen-cellular elastomeric foam permeable to air for ventilation of saidenclosure.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 42,843 5/1864 Ellis 350-23956,178 7/1866 Chase 350-239 271,838 2/1883 Gould 350-9 2,961,108 11/1960Johnson 350-243 3,029,694 4/1962 Dantzic 350-239 3,119,185 1/1964 GrayBSO-245 X 3,121,961 2/1964 Engle et al 3150-86v 3,213,539 10/1965 Burris350-10 X FOREIGN PATENTS 1,249,713 11/1960 France.

801 3/1860 Great Britain.

DAVID SCHONBERG, Primary Examiner.

T. H. KUSMER, Assistant Examiner.

